Arsenal leaning towards Julian Alvarez but major outgoing will be needed | OneFootball

Arsenal are leaning towards a summer move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez but a major outgoing will be needed, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.

The Gunners manager Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his attack at the Emirates Stadium club ahead of next season and Alvarez fits the bill.

The 26-year-old has been on the radar of Arsenal for a while and he could be open to returning to the Premier League if guaranteed regular playing chances at the North London club.

However, Delaney claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ bi-weekly and members‑only newsletter for today that the Gunners will need to sell one of their big stars to fund a move and create space for Alvarez.

The former Manchester City striker has 18 goals and nine assists in 45 games for Atletico so far this term after ending last season with 29 goals and eight assists in 57 matches.

The Arsenal target proved himself in the Premier League with 20 goals and 11 assists in 67 top-flight games.

Alvarez helped Atletico destroy Barcelona in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.

He grabbed the opener in their 2-0 victory from a well-taken freekick, and Arsenal could do with such a striker.

While the Argentine is primarily a number 9, he can also play as a second striker and on the wings.

His ability to play the perfect through balls and passes continues to benefit Atletico, while he is also a brilliant dribbler and finisher capable of being a threat from direct freekicks.

Alvarez knows how to retain possession and hold on to the ball, and Arteta appears to be keen on those qualities in a striker.

Arsenal will have to decide which of their key players they are willing to sell to make room for him, and more sales could be needed if they want to strengthen their squad with top signings this summer.